AIM: To determine the effective hospitalization period as the clinical pathway to prepare patients for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study which included 189 pa...AIM: To determine the effective hospitalization period as the clinical pathway to prepare patients for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study which included 189 patients consecutively treated by ESD at the National Cancer Center Hospital from May 2007 to March 2009. Patients were divided into 2 groups; patients in group A were discharged in 5 d and patients in group B included those who stayed longer than 5 d. The following data were collected for both groups: mean hospitalization period, tumor site, median tumor size, post-ESD rectal bleeding requiring urgent endoscopy, perforation during or after ESD, abdominal pain, fever above 38 ℃, and blood test results positive for inflammatory markers before and after ESD. Each parameter was compared after data collection. RESULTS: A total of 83% (156/189) of all patients could be discharged from the hospital on day 3 postESD. Complications were observed in 12.1% (23/189) of patients. Perforation occurred in 3.7% (7/189) of patients. All the perforations occurred during the ESD procedure and they were managed with endoscopic clipping. The incidence of post-operative bleeding was 2.6% (5/189); all the cases involved rectal bleeding. We divided the subjects into 2 groups: tumor diameter ≥ 4 cm and < 4 cm; there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.93, χ 2 test with Yates correction). The incidence of abdominal pain was 3.7% (7/189). All the cases occurred on the day of the procedure or the next day. The median white blood cell count was 6800 ± 2280 (cells/μL; ± SD) for group A, and 7700 ± 2775 (cells/μL; ± SD) for group B, showing a statistically significant difference (P = 0.023, t-test). The mean C-reactive protein values the day after ESD were 0.4 ± 1.3 mg/dL and 0.5 ± 1.3 mg/dL for groups A and B, respectively, with no significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.54, t -test). CONCLUSION: One-day admission is sufficient in the absence of complications during ESD or early postoperative bleeding.展开更多
AIM:To validate high definition endoscopes with Fujinon intelligent chromoendoscopy(FICE) in colonoscopy.METHODS:The image quality of normal white light endoscopy(WLE),that of the 10 available FICE filters and that of...AIM:To validate high definition endoscopes with Fujinon intelligent chromoendoscopy(FICE) in colonoscopy.METHODS:The image quality of normal white light endoscopy(WLE),that of the 10 available FICE filters and that of a gold standard(0.2% indigo carmine dye) were compared.RESULTS:FICE-filter 4 [red,green,and blue(RGB) wavelengths of 520,500,and 405 nm,respectively] provided the best images for evaluating the vascular pattern compared to white light.The mucosal surface was best assessed using filter 4.However,the views obtained were not rated significantly better than those observed with white light.The "gold standard",indigo carmine(IC) dye,was found to be superior to both white light and filter 4.Filter 6(RGB wavelengths of 580,520,and 460 nm,respectively) allowed for exploration of the IC-stained mucosa.When assessing mucosal polyps,both FICE with magnification,and magnification following dye spraying were superior to the same techniques without magnification and to white light imaging.In the presence of suboptimal bowel preparation,observation with the FICE mode was possible,and endoscopists considered it to be superior to observation with white light.CONCLUSION:FICE-filter 4 with magnification improves the image quality of the colonic vascular patterns obtained with WLE.展开更多
The introduction of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)has expanded the application of endoscopic treatment,which can be used for lesions with a low metastatic potential regardless of their size.ESD has t...The introduction of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)has expanded the application of endoscopic treatment,which can be used for lesions with a low metastatic potential regardless of their size.ESD has the advantage of achieving en bloc resection with a lower local recurrence rate compared with that of piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection.Moreover,in the past,surgery was indicated in patients with large lesions spreading to almost the entire circumference of the rectum,regardless of the depth of invasion,as endoscopic resection of these lesions was technically difficult.Therefore,a prime benefit of ESD is significant improvement in the quality of life for patients who have large rectal lesions.On the other hand,ESD is not as widely applied in the treatment of colorectal neoplasms as it is in gastric cancers owing to the associated technical difficulty,longer procedural duration,and increased risk of perforation.To diversify the available endoscopic treatment strategies for superficial colorectal neoplasms,endoscopists performing ESD need torecognize its indications,the technical issues involved in its application,and the associated complications.This review outlines the methods and type of devices used for colorectal ESD,and the training required by endoscopists to perform this procedure.展开更多
Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a challenging technique that enables en-bloc resection for large colorectal tumors, as laterally spreading tumors, particularly difficult, if the ileocecal valve and terminal ileum ...Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a challenging technique that enables en-bloc resection for large colorectal tumors, as laterally spreading tumors, particularly difficult, if the ileocecal valve and terminal ileum is involved. Herein, we report on one of 4 cases. The procedures, using a bipolar needle knife (B-Knife) to reduce the perforation risk and carbon dioxide instead of conventional air insufflation for patient comfort, achieved curative resections without any complications.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the surface microvascular patterns of early colorectal cancer (ECC) using narrow-band imaging (NBI) with magnification and its effectiveness for invasion depth diagnosis. METHODS: We studied 112 ECC l...AIM: To evaluate the surface microvascular patterns of early colorectal cancer (ECC) using narrow-band imaging (NBI) with magnification and its effectiveness for invasion depth diagnosis. METHODS: We studied 112 ECC lesions [mucosal/ submucosal superficial (m/sm-s), 69; sm-deep (sm-d), 43] ≥ 10 mm that subsequently underwent endoscopic or surgical treatment at our hospital. We compared microvascular architecture revealed by NBI with magnification to histological findings and then to magnifi- cation colonoscopy pit pattern diagnosis. RESULTS: Univariate analysis indicated vessel density: non-dense (P < 0.0001); vessel regularity: negative (P < 0.0001); caliber regularity: negative (P < 0.0001); vessel length: short (P < 0.0001); and vessel meandering: positive (P = 0.002) occurred significantly more often with sm-d invasion than m/sm-s invasion. Multivariate analysis showed sm-d invasion was independently associated with vessel density: non-dense[odds ratio (OR) = 402.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 12.4-13 133.1] and vessel regularity: negative (OR = 15.9, 95% CI: 1.2-219.1). Both of these findings when combined were an indicator of sm-d invasion with sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 81.4%, 100% and 92.9%, respectively. Pit pattern diagnosis sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, meanwhile, were 86.0%, 98.6% and 93.8%, respectively, thus, the NBI with magnification findings of non-dense vessel density and negative vessel regularity when combined together were comparable to pit pattern diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Non-dense vessel density and/or negative vessel regularity observed by NBI with magnification could be indicators of ECC sm-d invasion.展开更多
AIM:To clarify the clinicopathological characteristics of small and large early invasive colorectal cancers(EI-CRCs),and to determine whether malignancy grade depends on size.METHODS:A total of 583 consecutive EI-CRCs...AIM:To clarify the clinicopathological characteristics of small and large early invasive colorectal cancers(EI-CRCs),and to determine whether malignancy grade depends on size.METHODS:A total of 583 consecutive EI-CRCs treated by endoscopic mucosal resection or surgery at the National Cancer Center Hospital between 1980 and 2004 were enrolled in this study.Lesions were classified into two groups based on size:small(≤10mm) and large(>10mm).Clinicopathological features,incidence of lymph node metastasis(LNM) and risk factors for LNM,such as depth of invasion,lymphovascular invasion(LVI) and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma(PDA) were analyzed in all resected specimens.RESULTS:There were 120(21%) small and 463(79%) large lesions.Histopathological analysis of the small lesion group revealed submucosal deep cancer(sm:≥1000 μm) in 90(75%) cases,LVI in 26(22%) cases,and PDA in 12(10%) cases.Similarly,the large lesion group exhibited submucosal deep cancer in 380(82%) cases,LVI in 125(27%) cases,and PDA in 79(17%) cases.The rate of LNM was 11.2% and 12.1% in the small and large lesion groups,respectively.CONCLUSION:Small EI-CRC demonstrated the same aggressiveness and malignant potential as large cancer.展开更多
AIM To evaluate the performance of 18-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography(FDG-PET) for esophageal cancer(EC) screening.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the data of consecutive asymptomatic individual...AIM To evaluate the performance of 18-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography(FDG-PET) for esophageal cancer(EC) screening.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the data of consecutive asymptomatic individuals who underwent FDG-PET and esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD) simultaneously for cancer screening at our institution from February 2004 to March 2013. In total, 14790 FDG-PET and EGD procedures performed for 8468 individuals were included in this study, and the performance of FDGPET for EC screening was assessed by comparing the results of FDG-PET and EGD, considering the latter as the reference.RESULTS Thirty-two EC lesions were detected in 28 individuals(31 squamous cell carcinomas and 1 adenocarcinoma). The median tumor size was 12.5 mm, and the depths of the lesions were as follows: Tis(n = 12), T1a(n = 15), and T1b(n = 5). Among the 14790 FDG-PET procedures, 51 examinations(0.3%) showed positive findings in the esophagus; only 1 was a true-positive finding. The screen sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of FDGPET for ECs were 3.6%(95%CI: 0.1-18.3), 99.7%(95%CI: 99.6-99.7), 2.0%(95%CI: 0.0-10.4), and 99.8%(95%CI: 99.7-99.9), respectively. Of the 50 FDG-PET false-positive cases, 31 were observed in the lower esophagus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease was observed in 17 of these 31 cases.CONCLUSION This study is the first to clarify the FDG-PET performance for EC screening. Based on the low screen sensitivity, FDG-PET is considered to be difficult to use as a screening modality for ECs.展开更多
Herein we describe an early colonic carcinoma which developed in a colonic interposition 14 years after surgery for esophageal cancer, which was successfully treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). An 80-ye...Herein we describe an early colonic carcinoma which developed in a colonic interposition 14 years after surgery for esophageal cancer, which was successfully treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). An 80-year-old man underwent colonic interposition between the upper esophagus and stomach after surgery for an early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in 1994. He received a surveillance endoscopy, and a laterally-spreading tumor of granular type, approximately 20 mm in size, was identified in the colonic interposition. An endoscopic biopsy revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma histologically, however, we diagnosed the lesion as an intramucosal carcinoma based on the endoscopic findings. The lesion was safely and completely removed en bloc by ESD using a bipolar knife. Histologically, the lesion was an intramucosal moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma in a tubular adenoma.展开更多
A 73-year-old man underwent endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR) of a 20-mm flat elevated lesion on the transverse colon. The morning after the procedure, he started to have severe right upper quadrant pain after his fir...A 73-year-old man underwent endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR) of a 20-mm flat elevated lesion on the transverse colon. The morning after the procedure, he started to have severe right upper quadrant pain after his first meal. A computed tomography scan revealed free air and a stomach filled with food. He was diagnosed to have delayed post-EMR intestinal perforation. He underwent emergent colonoscopy and clipping of the perforated site. He was discharged 8 d after the endoscopic closure without the need for surgical intervention. The meal was not the cause of the colon transversum perforation.展开更多
AIM:To clarify the endoscopic and clinical findings of cytomegalovirus(CMV) gastritis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-SCT).METHODS:Between 1999 and 2005,523 patients underwent allo-SCT at...AIM:To clarify the endoscopic and clinical findings of cytomegalovirus(CMV) gastritis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-SCT).METHODS:Between 1999 and 2005,523 patients underwent allo-SCT at our hospital,and 115 of these patients with gastrointestinal symptoms underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy.RESULTS:CMV gastritis was diagnosed pathologically in seven patients(1.3%) with the other 108 patients serving as controls.Six of the seven patients developed positive CMV antigenemia,and five complained of abdominal pain.Development of abdominal pain preceded CMV antigenemia in four of the f ive patients.Endoscopic examination showed oozing(n=2),erosion(n=6),and redness(n=5) in the seven patients with CMV gastritis,while the control patients showed oozing(n=3),erosion(n=24),and redness(n=100).Erosion and oozing were more frequently documented in patients with CMV gastritis compared with the controls,and the differences were statistically significant(P=0.0012 and 0.029,respectively).CMV inclusion bodies were documented in 12 of 14 biopsy specimens obtained from erosive lesions,while they were identif ied in 4 of 15 biopsy specimens obtained from lesions other than erosions(P=0.0025).CONCLUSION:This study suggests that erosion and oozing,as well as abdominal pain,are useful indicators in the diagnosis of CMV gastritis following allo-SCT.展开更多
基金Supported by Grant-in-Aid for Cancer Research, No. 18S-2 from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to Saito Y
文摘AIM: To determine the effective hospitalization period as the clinical pathway to prepare patients for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study which included 189 patients consecutively treated by ESD at the National Cancer Center Hospital from May 2007 to March 2009. Patients were divided into 2 groups; patients in group A were discharged in 5 d and patients in group B included those who stayed longer than 5 d. The following data were collected for both groups: mean hospitalization period, tumor site, median tumor size, post-ESD rectal bleeding requiring urgent endoscopy, perforation during or after ESD, abdominal pain, fever above 38 ℃, and blood test results positive for inflammatory markers before and after ESD. Each parameter was compared after data collection. RESULTS: A total of 83% (156/189) of all patients could be discharged from the hospital on day 3 postESD. Complications were observed in 12.1% (23/189) of patients. Perforation occurred in 3.7% (7/189) of patients. All the perforations occurred during the ESD procedure and they were managed with endoscopic clipping. The incidence of post-operative bleeding was 2.6% (5/189); all the cases involved rectal bleeding. We divided the subjects into 2 groups: tumor diameter ≥ 4 cm and < 4 cm; there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.93, χ 2 test with Yates correction). The incidence of abdominal pain was 3.7% (7/189). All the cases occurred on the day of the procedure or the next day. The median white blood cell count was 6800 ± 2280 (cells/μL; ± SD) for group A, and 7700 ± 2775 (cells/μL; ± SD) for group B, showing a statistically significant difference (P = 0.023, t-test). The mean C-reactive protein values the day after ESD were 0.4 ± 1.3 mg/dL and 0.5 ± 1.3 mg/dL for groups A and B, respectively, with no significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.54, t -test). CONCLUSION: One-day admission is sufficient in the absence of complications during ESD or early postoperative bleeding.
基金Supported by Consejería de Educación,Cultura y Deportes,Gobierno de Canarias PI2002/138,the Instituto de Salud Carlos III C03/02
文摘AIM:To validate high definition endoscopes with Fujinon intelligent chromoendoscopy(FICE) in colonoscopy.METHODS:The image quality of normal white light endoscopy(WLE),that of the 10 available FICE filters and that of a gold standard(0.2% indigo carmine dye) were compared.RESULTS:FICE-filter 4 [red,green,and blue(RGB) wavelengths of 520,500,and 405 nm,respectively] provided the best images for evaluating the vascular pattern compared to white light.The mucosal surface was best assessed using filter 4.However,the views obtained were not rated significantly better than those observed with white light.The "gold standard",indigo carmine(IC) dye,was found to be superior to both white light and filter 4.Filter 6(RGB wavelengths of 580,520,and 460 nm,respectively) allowed for exploration of the IC-stained mucosa.When assessing mucosal polyps,both FICE with magnification,and magnification following dye spraying were superior to the same techniques without magnification and to white light imaging.In the presence of suboptimal bowel preparation,observation with the FICE mode was possible,and endoscopists considered it to be superior to observation with white light.CONCLUSION:FICE-filter 4 with magnification improves the image quality of the colonic vascular patterns obtained with WLE.
文摘The introduction of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)has expanded the application of endoscopic treatment,which can be used for lesions with a low metastatic potential regardless of their size.ESD has the advantage of achieving en bloc resection with a lower local recurrence rate compared with that of piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection.Moreover,in the past,surgery was indicated in patients with large lesions spreading to almost the entire circumference of the rectum,regardless of the depth of invasion,as endoscopic resection of these lesions was technically difficult.Therefore,a prime benefit of ESD is significant improvement in the quality of life for patients who have large rectal lesions.On the other hand,ESD is not as widely applied in the treatment of colorectal neoplasms as it is in gastric cancers owing to the associated technical difficulty,longer procedural duration,and increased risk of perforation.To diversify the available endoscopic treatment strategies for superficial colorectal neoplasms,endoscopists performing ESD need torecognize its indications,the technical issues involved in its application,and the associated complications.This review outlines the methods and type of devices used for colorectal ESD,and the training required by endoscopists to perform this procedure.
文摘Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a challenging technique that enables en-bloc resection for large colorectal tumors, as laterally spreading tumors, particularly difficult, if the ileocecal valve and terminal ileum is involved. Herein, we report on one of 4 cases. The procedures, using a bipolar needle knife (B-Knife) to reduce the perforation risk and carbon dioxide instead of conventional air insufflation for patient comfort, achieved curative resections without any complications.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the surface microvascular patterns of early colorectal cancer (ECC) using narrow-band imaging (NBI) with magnification and its effectiveness for invasion depth diagnosis. METHODS: We studied 112 ECC lesions [mucosal/ submucosal superficial (m/sm-s), 69; sm-deep (sm-d), 43] ≥ 10 mm that subsequently underwent endoscopic or surgical treatment at our hospital. We compared microvascular architecture revealed by NBI with magnification to histological findings and then to magnifi- cation colonoscopy pit pattern diagnosis. RESULTS: Univariate analysis indicated vessel density: non-dense (P < 0.0001); vessel regularity: negative (P < 0.0001); caliber regularity: negative (P < 0.0001); vessel length: short (P < 0.0001); and vessel meandering: positive (P = 0.002) occurred significantly more often with sm-d invasion than m/sm-s invasion. Multivariate analysis showed sm-d invasion was independently associated with vessel density: non-dense[odds ratio (OR) = 402.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 12.4-13 133.1] and vessel regularity: negative (OR = 15.9, 95% CI: 1.2-219.1). Both of these findings when combined were an indicator of sm-d invasion with sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 81.4%, 100% and 92.9%, respectively. Pit pattern diagnosis sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, meanwhile, were 86.0%, 98.6% and 93.8%, respectively, thus, the NBI with magnification findings of non-dense vessel density and negative vessel regularity when combined together were comparable to pit pattern diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Non-dense vessel density and/or negative vessel regularity observed by NBI with magnification could be indicators of ECC sm-d invasion.
文摘AIM:To clarify the clinicopathological characteristics of small and large early invasive colorectal cancers(EI-CRCs),and to determine whether malignancy grade depends on size.METHODS:A total of 583 consecutive EI-CRCs treated by endoscopic mucosal resection or surgery at the National Cancer Center Hospital between 1980 and 2004 were enrolled in this study.Lesions were classified into two groups based on size:small(≤10mm) and large(>10mm).Clinicopathological features,incidence of lymph node metastasis(LNM) and risk factors for LNM,such as depth of invasion,lymphovascular invasion(LVI) and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma(PDA) were analyzed in all resected specimens.RESULTS:There were 120(21%) small and 463(79%) large lesions.Histopathological analysis of the small lesion group revealed submucosal deep cancer(sm:≥1000 μm) in 90(75%) cases,LVI in 26(22%) cases,and PDA in 12(10%) cases.Similarly,the large lesion group exhibited submucosal deep cancer in 380(82%) cases,LVI in 125(27%) cases,and PDA in 79(17%) cases.The rate of LNM was 11.2% and 12.1% in the small and large lesion groups,respectively.CONCLUSION:Small EI-CRC demonstrated the same aggressiveness and malignant potential as large cancer.
基金Supported by (in part) the National Cancer Center Research and Development Fund,No.27-A-5
文摘AIM To evaluate the performance of 18-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography(FDG-PET) for esophageal cancer(EC) screening.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the data of consecutive asymptomatic individuals who underwent FDG-PET and esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD) simultaneously for cancer screening at our institution from February 2004 to March 2013. In total, 14790 FDG-PET and EGD procedures performed for 8468 individuals were included in this study, and the performance of FDGPET for EC screening was assessed by comparing the results of FDG-PET and EGD, considering the latter as the reference.RESULTS Thirty-two EC lesions were detected in 28 individuals(31 squamous cell carcinomas and 1 adenocarcinoma). The median tumor size was 12.5 mm, and the depths of the lesions were as follows: Tis(n = 12), T1a(n = 15), and T1b(n = 5). Among the 14790 FDG-PET procedures, 51 examinations(0.3%) showed positive findings in the esophagus; only 1 was a true-positive finding. The screen sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of FDGPET for ECs were 3.6%(95%CI: 0.1-18.3), 99.7%(95%CI: 99.6-99.7), 2.0%(95%CI: 0.0-10.4), and 99.8%(95%CI: 99.7-99.9), respectively. Of the 50 FDG-PET false-positive cases, 31 were observed in the lower esophagus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease was observed in 17 of these 31 cases.CONCLUSION This study is the first to clarify the FDG-PET performance for EC screening. Based on the low screen sensitivity, FDG-PET is considered to be difficult to use as a screening modality for ECs.
文摘Herein we describe an early colonic carcinoma which developed in a colonic interposition 14 years after surgery for esophageal cancer, which was successfully treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). An 80-year-old man underwent colonic interposition between the upper esophagus and stomach after surgery for an early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in 1994. He received a surveillance endoscopy, and a laterally-spreading tumor of granular type, approximately 20 mm in size, was identified in the colonic interposition. An endoscopic biopsy revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma histologically, however, we diagnosed the lesion as an intramucosal carcinoma based on the endoscopic findings. The lesion was safely and completely removed en bloc by ESD using a bipolar knife. Histologically, the lesion was an intramucosal moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma in a tubular adenoma.
文摘A 73-year-old man underwent endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR) of a 20-mm flat elevated lesion on the transverse colon. The morning after the procedure, he started to have severe right upper quadrant pain after his first meal. A computed tomography scan revealed free air and a stomach filled with food. He was diagnosed to have delayed post-EMR intestinal perforation. He underwent emergent colonoscopy and clipping of the perforated site. He was discharged 8 d after the endoscopic closure without the need for surgical intervention. The meal was not the cause of the colon transversum perforation.
文摘AIM:To clarify the endoscopic and clinical findings of cytomegalovirus(CMV) gastritis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-SCT).METHODS:Between 1999 and 2005,523 patients underwent allo-SCT at our hospital,and 115 of these patients with gastrointestinal symptoms underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy.RESULTS:CMV gastritis was diagnosed pathologically in seven patients(1.3%) with the other 108 patients serving as controls.Six of the seven patients developed positive CMV antigenemia,and five complained of abdominal pain.Development of abdominal pain preceded CMV antigenemia in four of the f ive patients.Endoscopic examination showed oozing(n=2),erosion(n=6),and redness(n=5) in the seven patients with CMV gastritis,while the control patients showed oozing(n=3),erosion(n=24),and redness(n=100).Erosion and oozing were more frequently documented in patients with CMV gastritis compared with the controls,and the differences were statistically significant(P=0.0012 and 0.029,respectively).CMV inclusion bodies were documented in 12 of 14 biopsy specimens obtained from erosive lesions,while they were identif ied in 4 of 15 biopsy specimens obtained from lesions other than erosions(P=0.0025).CONCLUSION:This study suggests that erosion and oozing,as well as abdominal pain,are useful indicators in the diagnosis of CMV gastritis following allo-SCT.